Crystal Palace in talks to sign Leeds United target as Fabrizio Romano confirms Eagles have submitted new bid

Crystal Palace are aiming to sign Wolves striker Jørgen Strand-Larsen before the January transfer window closes and the Eagles are now leading the race to sign the Norwegian.

BBC Sport reported last week that Wolves had rejected a £33m bid from Leeds United for the forward. The deal also included a further £6m in add-ons but Wolves want £40m for Larsen.

The midlands outfit rejected several offers from Newcastle United in the summer but have since dropped their valuation and are now willing to sanction a move if their asking price is met.

Giving an update on Thursday morning, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported: “Crystal Palace improved their proposal to sign Jørgen Strand-Larsen from Wolves. Talks underway with player’s camp to seal the deal.”

Larsen fired in 14 Premier League goals last season while also providing four assists in 35 appearances. However, he has struggled this season with just one goal and one assist in 21 outings, as Wolves face relegation.

If Larsen arrives, then Jean-Philippe Mateta could be clear to leave Selhurst Park after being linked with a move away from the club this month.

Nottingham Forest had submitted a £35m bid for the striker, who has been one of Palace’s stand-out players for the last few seasons.

Speaking to Football Insider in the last few days, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown said that Palace would be willing to let Mateta leave this month.

“I believe Crystal Palace are prepared to let him go,” Brown said.

“To a large extend, it’s been taken out of their hands because he’s made it clear he wants to leave, and he’s not happy at the club any more.

“I’ve heard whispers for a while that he’s been testing the waters about a potential move away, he wanted to see who was interested and his agent was put to work.

“Amongst all of that, he was picked in the France squad which only added to the situation.

“Crystal Palace don’t want to keep unhappy players at the club, because then you run the risk of things spiralling, or you’re left with a player who isn’t at his usual level.

“I think we’re seeing that from Mateta at the moment, his head is clearly elsewhere, and if somebody wants to meet Palace’s valuation then they’ll accept it.

“The crucial thing then is that they go and get a replacement because they can’t afford to weaken the squad any more than it already has been.”

If a deal for Larsen can be done, then it will pave the way for Mateta to move on. He had been linked with Juventus before Forest made their bid but the Italian club are unwilling to pay the £40m the Eagles want for the Frenchman.